Reading's Davis named All-Big Eight First Team

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Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

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Posted Mar. 20, 2013 at 9:30 AM

Posted Mar. 20, 2013 at 9:30 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netHILLSDALE COUNTY— On a team loaded with underclassmen, Michelle Davis emerged as a leader for the Reading High School girls basketball team this season.Providing strong play at both ends of the court, Davis was a key player for the Rangers as they made a thrilling ride through the postseason.Her efforts drew the attention of her peers, as Davis was named to the All-Big Eight Conference First Team last week. Davis is the lone Hillsdale County player on the First Team.Reading teammates Jami Hubbard and and Brittany Marquart both received All-Big Eight honorable mention, while Jonesville senior Hannah Smith also was honorable mention.Davis led the Rangers in several categories this season. The junior was Reading's leading scorer, averaging 9.5 points per game (227 total points). Davis also led the Rangers with 60 assists (2.5 per game) and 53 steals (2.2 per game). She was second on the team in rebounding, grabbing 3.3 per night (79 total).After finishing in the middle of the pack in the Big Eight, the Rangers put together a surprise run in the playoffs, capturing the Class C district championship and advancing to the regional semifinals. Davis was dominant, scoring in double figures in three of Reading's four playoff games.After a 17 point, six rebound, six steal effort in the opening round against Schoolcraft, Davis finished with 19 points and seven rebounds as the Rangers upended Bronson in the district final. Davis also had a strong game in the regional semifinals against Hartford, scoring 15 points.Hubbard was a solid compliment for Davis. The sophomore was second on the team in scoring, averaging nine points per game. Hubbard also led the Rangers with 138 rebounds (5.8 per game) and blocked 10 shots.Marquart was Reading's top 3-point shooter, hitting 30 percent from behind the arc. The junior averaged 7.8 points a night and was second on the team with 41 steals (1.8 per game).Smith was a standout guard for Jonesville this season. In her final prep season, Smith led the Comets with 45 assists (2.1 per game) and 81 steals (3.9 per game). She was second on the team in scoring, averaging 6.1 points a night and second in rebounding with 4.5 per game.Joining Davis on the All-Big Eight First Team are conference Most Valuable Player Maycee Brigham (Concord), Megan Redman and Andrea Brigham (both from Concord), Audrey Oswalt (Athens), Bailey Manis and Stephanie Osborn (both from Homer), Brooke Johnson (Union City), Ciara Sundermann and Sam Bates (both from Springport).Other players receiving All-Big Eight honorable mention are Athens' Allysha Beal, Allison Fuller and Chantel Davenport, Quincy's Katie Santi and Sarah Ward, Concord's Julayne Brigham and Homer's Alexis Mestdagh.Concord (17-3, 13-1 Big Eight) won the conference title, while Athens (16-3, 11-2 Big Eight) finished second. Springport (13-7, 9-5 Big Eight) and Homer (14-6, 9-5 Big Eight) tied for third and Reading (14-10, 7-7 Big Eight) was fifth. Union City (5-15, 2-12 Big Eight), Jonesville (5-15, 2-12 Big Eight) and Quincy (3-16, 2-12 Big Eight) rounded out the conference standings.